Tomorrow we will be publishing our first Socket Cooler Roundup in four months,
however this time around the roundup will be quite different from what you may
be used to. Along with an updated set of coolers, we will also be introducing
the first results based on an entirely new heatsink testing methodology.

In last November's roundup, we measured temperatures using the Abit KT7's onboard
thermistor. This test was already showing signs of weakness as four coolers
reached the same temperature levels. As more high-performance coolers enter
the market it becomes obvious that a new, more accurate testing methodology
is required in order to show smaller temperature differences between cooler
models with otherwise very similar performance.

Future AnandTech cooler roundups will consist of four tests:

1) A performance test using a "simulator" device: This provides an artificial
heat load and allows very accurate measurements. We had used a very similar
setup for the Slot-A cooler tests; however
the new device is designed for simulating a socketed CPU.

2) A noise measurement test

3) A test under real-world conditions, with an actual Athlon CPU

4) The fan tests, where fan air speed is measured

In this article, we will have a closer look at these tests and provide you
with an outline for what you can expect in our next-generation of cooling reviews.